Column and leg locking assemblies for stationary platforms

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to locking assemblies. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to locking assemblies for a center column of a stationary platform. In another embodiment, the disclosure relates to locking assemblies for legs of a stationary platform.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation patent application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/818,301 filed Mar. 13, 2020, which is anon-provisional patent application of and claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/817,876 filed Mar. 13, 2019, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The disclosure relates to locking assemblies. In one embodiment, thedisclosure relates to locking assemblies for a center column of astationary platform. In another embodiment, the disclosure relates tolocking assemblies for legs of a stationary platform.

BACKGROUND

When using a long rifle, AR platform rifle, shotgun or similar longfirearm, it is common to use a bipod, tripod or other stationaryplatform to support the end of the firearm when shooting, particularlywhen targeting shooting. Stationary platforms support a firearm toprovide a stable base to improve accuracy compared to simply holding thefirearm without support. To provide a stable base, stationary platformsinclude two or more legs which extend diagonally downward from a centralfirearm mount, which may be on a central column. The central columnand/or legs often come in two or more pieces to allow for adjusting thelength of the column and/or legs and also allows for a user to decreasethe weight of a stationary platform by leaving pieces behind when theyare not needed.

When multiple parts are of a central column or legs are connected, it isimportant that the connection be tight and stable. However, currentconnections do not provide the necessary stability. Multi-piece centralcolumns are generally joined by threading the pieces together. When inuse, a user will rotate the top of the center column axially (e.g., toaim) and the threads are unintentionally loosened. Similarly, currenttwist-lock designs for telescoping legs do not restrict the amount thatthe lock unthreads. As a result, legs can collapse if the twist lock isnot turned (or not turned far enough) in the right direction.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a locking mechanism for usewith a multi-piece center column of a stationary platform and a lockingmechanism for use with telescoping legs of a stationary platform toprevent accidental loosening or detachment of these components.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a locking assembly. In anembodiment, the locking assembly secures two column portions together.

In one embodiment, the locking assembly comprises a first column portionhaving a hollow interior with a generally circular cross-section along alength of the first column portion; an insert secured within an endportion of the first column portion, the insert having a first end whichis solid contained within the first column portion, a threaded channelpassing through the solid end, an inner cavity, and a second end whichopens to the inner cavity; wherein the inner cavity has a non-circularcross-section; a second column portion having a main body and a firstend, the first end having a non-circular cross-section corresponding tothat of the inner cavity of the insert, wherein the first end isslidingly but not rotatably engaged with the inner cavity of the insert,the second column portion further having a channel through the firstend, the channel being coaxial with the threaded channel of the insert;and a fastening rod having a threaded end, wherein the fastening rodpasses through the channel of the second column portion and engages thethreaded channel of the insert.

In another embodiment, fastening rod further includes a fastening ringadjacent the threaded end, wherein the fastening ring has externaldimensions greater than those of the channel of the second columnportion. In another embodiment, the non-circular cross-section of theinner cavity of the insert is selected from square, rectangular,triangular, and polygonal. In another embodiment, the non-circularcross-section of the first end of the second column is selected fromsquare, rectangular, triangular, and polygonal. In another embodiment,the non-circular cross-section of the inner cavity of the insert issquare. In another embodiment, the non-circular cross-section of thefirst end of the second column portion is square. In another embodiment,the first column portion has an outer diameter which is the same as anouter diameter of the main body of the second column portion.

In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a stationary platformcomprising the locking assembly. In another embodiment, the stationaryplatform comprises a central column, the central column comprising thelocking assembly. In an embodiment, the stationary platform is a tripod.

In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a further locking assembly.In an embodiment, the further locking assembly secures two telescopingcylindrical portions together.

In one embodiment, the locking assembly comprises a locking ring securedto a first cylindrical section, the first cylindrical section insertableinto a second cylindrical section and having a bearing surface at asecond edge; a first rotation stop secured to the second cylindricalsection at a first end and slidable against the locking ring at a secondend; and a locking nut having a first end in threaded engagement withthe first end of the rotation stop and having a second end secured to alocking wedge having a bearing surface, wherein rotational movement ofthe locking nut in a first direction causes the bearing surface of thelocking wedge to engage the bearing surface of the locking ring androtational movement of the locking nut in a second direction causes thebearing surface of the locking wedge to disengage the bearing surface ofthe locking ring.

In another embodiment, the locking ring has a first edge containing asecond bearing surface and the first rotation stop has a bearing surfacecorresponding to the second bearing surface of the locking ring. Inanother embodiment, rotational movement of the locking nut in the firstdirection causes the second bearing surface of the locking ring toengage the bearing surface of the first rotation stop and rotationalmovement of the locking nut in the second direction causes the secondbearing surface of the locking ring to disengage the bearing surface ofthe first rotation stop. In another embodiment, the locking ring, firstrotation stop, locking nut and locking wedge are generally cylindricaland coaxial with each other and the first and second cylindricalsections. In another embodiment, the first rotation stop has a secondbearing surface and the locking nut has a first bearing surface, thesecond bearing surface of the first rotation stop and the first bearingsurfaces of the locking nut being opposed to one another, and whereinrotational movement of the locking nut in the first direction is limitedby engagement of the second bearing surface of the first rotation stopand the first bearing surface of the locking nut.

In another embodiment, the locking assembly further includes a secondrotation stop secured to the first rotation stop, wherein the lockingnut is slidable against the second rotation stop. In another embodiment,the second rotation stop has a first bearing surface and the locking nuthas a second bearing surface, the first bearing surface of the secondrotation stop and the second bearing surface of the locking nut beingopposed to one another, and wherein rotational movement of the lockingnut in the second direction is limited by engagement of the firstbearing surface of the second rotation stop and the second bearingsurface of the locking nut.

In another embodiment, the first end of the first rotation stop and thefirst end of the locking nut are correspondingly threaded, and whereinthe thread pitch is from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. In one embodiment, thethreaded pitch is at least 0.5 mm. In another embodiment, the threadedpitch is no greater than 1.5 mm. In one embodiment, the threaded pitchis from is from 0.5 mm to 1.25 mm or from 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm or from 0.5mm to 0.75 mm. In yet another embodiment, the threaded pitch is from 0.6mm to 1.5 mm or from 0.7 mm to 1.5 mm or from 0.8 to 1.5 mm or from 0.9mm to 1.5 mm or from 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm or from 1.25 mm to 1.5 mm.

In another embodiment, the locking assembly further includes a gripsecured to the locking nut and locking wedge.

In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a stationary platformcomprising the further locking assembly. In another embodiment, thestationary platform comprises at least one telescoping leg, the at leastone telescoping leg comprising the locking assembly. In an embodiment,the stationary platform is a tripod.

In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a stationary platformcomprising one or both locking assemblies as described herein, or anycombination of one or both locking assemblies as described herein.

Other embodiments will be evident from a consideration of the drawingstaken together with the detailed description provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary stationary platform that is a tripod, inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a locking assembly for a centercolumn of a stationary platform, in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 3 is a further cross-sectional view of the locking assembly of FIG.2 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a locking assembly for an adjustableleg of a stationary platform in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a portion of an inner leg section with asection stop in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of portion VI of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of portion VII of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of portion VIII of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The assemblies, apparatuses and methods disclosed herein will now bedescribed more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Theapparatuses and methods disclosed herein may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat the disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully conveythe scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the set offeatures and/or capabilities may be readily adapted within the contextof a stationary platform, such as a bipod, tripod, and otherpermutations of stationary platforms. Further, it will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that the various features and/or capabilitiesdescribed herein may be deployed in various industries, includingshooting, photography, surveying, and other areas in which a stablestationary platform is desired to secure a viewing optic, firearm,sight, camera, and other such device.

Definitions

Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. It will be understoodthat, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, and/or sections, theseelements, components, regions and/or sections should not be limited bythese terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element,component, region and/or section from another element, component, regionand/or section. Thus, a first element, component, region or sectioncould be termed a second element, component, region or section withoutdeparting from the disclosure.

The numerical ranges in this disclosure are approximate, and thus mayinclude values outside of the range unless otherwise indicated.Numerical ranges include all values from and including the lower and theupper values (unless specifically stated otherwise), in increments ofone unit, provided that there is a separation of at least two unitsbetween any lower value and any higher value. As an example, if acompositional, physical or other property, such as, for example,distance, speed, velocity, etc., is from 10 to 100, it is intended thatall individual values, such as 10, 11, 12, etc., and sub ranges, such as10 to 44, 55 to 70, 97 to 100, etc., are expressly enumerated. Forranges containing values which are less than one or containingfractional numbers greater than one (e.g., 1.1, 1.5, etc.), one unit isconsidered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1, as appropriate. For rangescontaining single digit numbers less than ten (e.g., 1 to 5), one unitis typically considered to be 0.1. These are only examples of what isspecifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical valuesbetween the lowest value and the highest value enumerated, are to beconsidered to be expressly stated in this disclosure. Numerical rangesare provided within this disclosure for, among other things, distancesfrom a user of a device to a target.

Spatial terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,”and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe oneelement's or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s)as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatiallyrelative terms are intended to encompass different orientations ofdevice in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted inthe figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over,elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or featureswould then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, theexemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above andbelow. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90° or at otherorientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used hereininterpreted accordingly.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items. For example, when used in aphrase such as “A and/or B,” the phrase “and/or” is intended to includeboth A and B; A or B; A (alone); and B (alone). Likewise, the term“and/or” as used in a phrase such as “A, B and/or C” is intended toencompass each of the following embodiments” A, B and C; A, B, or C; Aor C; A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C; A (alone); B (alone);and C (alone).

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on,” “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, itcan be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layer.Alternatively, intervening elements or layers may be present. Incontrast, when an element or layer is referred to as being “directlyon,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element orlayer, there are no intervening elements or layers present.

As used herein, “bearing surface” is the area of contact between twoobjects.

As used herein, the terms “user” and “shooter” interchangeably refer toeither the operator making the shot or an individual observing the shotin collaboration with the operator making the shot.

As used herein, the term “viewing optic” refers to an apparatus orassembly used by a user, a shooter or a spotter to select, identifyand/or monitor a target. A viewing optic may rely on visual observationof the target or, for example, on infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV),radar, thermal, microwave, magnetic imaging, radiation including X-ray,gamma ray, isotope and particle radiation, night vision, vibrationalreceptors including ultra-sound, sound pulse, sonar, seismic vibrations,magnetic resonance, gravitational receptors, broadcast frequenciesincluding radio wave, television and cellular receptors, or other imageof the target. The image of the target presented to auser/shooter/spotter by a viewing optic may be unaltered, or it may beenhanced, for example, by magnification, amplification, subtraction,superimposition, filtration, stabilization, template matching, or othermeans. The target selected, identified and/or monitored by a viewingoptic may be within the line of sight of the shooter or tangential tothe sight of the shooter. In other embodiments, the shooter's line ofsight may be obstructed while the viewing optic presents a focused imageof the target. The image of the target acquired by the viewing opticmay, for example, be analog or digital, and shared, stored archived ortransmitted within a network of one or more shooters and spotters by,for example, video, physical cable or wire, IR, radio wave, cellularconnections, laser pulse, optical 802.11b or other wireless transmissionusing, for example, protocols such as html. SML, SOAP, X.25, SNA, etc.,Bluetooth™, Serial, USB or other suitable image distribution method. Theterm “viewing optic” is used interchangeably with “optic sight.”

As used herein, a “firearm” is a portable gun, being a barreled weaponthat launches one or more projectiles often driven by the action of anexplosive force. As used herein, the term “firearm” includes a handgun,a long gun, a rifle, shotgun, a carbine, automatic weapons,semi-automatic weapons, a machine gun, a sub-machine gun, an automaticrifle and an assault rifle.

As used herein, a “stationary platform” is a structure or device used tosupport a viewing optic and/or firearm.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary stationary platform 300 that in theembodiment shown is a tripod with a center column 305 connected to threelegs 310. The center column 305 has two sections which connect to extendthe length of the center column 305. Similarly, the legs 310 telescopeto change the length of the legs 310.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a locking assembly 100 showing theconnection of a first column section 10 and a second column section 20.In the embodiment shown, the first column section 10 is an upper columnsection and the second column section 20 is a lower column section. Inone representative embodiment shown, the inner diameter of the firstcolumn section 10 is generally circular. The inner diameter of the firstcolumn may have other suitable shapes and geometries.

An insert 30 is secured in the first column section 10. The insert 30decreases the inner diameter of the first column section 10. In theembodiment shown, the insert 30 is generally cylindrical with a circularcross-section. The outer diameter of the insert 30 is just less than theinner diameter of the first column section 10 to allow the insert 30 tobe slid into the first column section 10. A terminating flange 36extending radially from the lower portion of the insert 30 prevents theinsert 30 from being inserted too far into the first column section 10.A threaded bore 32 extends through the upper surface of the insert 30.

In an embodiment, the insert 30 is permanently secured to the inside ofthe first column section 10. This permanent connection can be achievedin any number of ways, including, for example, by an adhesive means suchas glue, epoxy, and the like, by a mechanical connection such as matingand/or interlocking structures, or combinations of these and othermeans. In further embodiments, the insert 30 is removably secured to theinside of the first column section 10.

In the embodiment shown, the inner surface of the first column section10 contains a guiding protuberance 12 and the outer surface of theinsert 30 contains a corresponding channel 38. When sliding the insert30 into the first column section 10, the guiding protuberance 12 andchannel 38 must be aligned. This facilitates assembly of the firstcolumn section 10 and insert 30. Further, the engagement of theprotuberance 12 and channel 38 prevents rotation of the insert 30 insidethe first column section 10.

While the outer surface of the insert 30 is generally cylindrical with acircular cross-section, the inner cavity 34 of the insert 30 isnon-circular. That is, the inner cavity 34 of the insert 30 does nothave a circular cross-section. In the embodiment shown, the inner cavity34 is square (has a square cross-section). However, in furtherembodiments, the inner cavity 34 may have any non-circular geometryincluding, but not limited to, square, rectangle, oval, triangle, star,trapezoid, or any polygon.

The geometry of the inner cavity 34 of the insert 30 matches the outergeometry of the male end 22 of the second column section 20. The maleend 22 of the second column section 20 extends outwardly (and upwardly,in the orientation shown) from the main body 27 of the second columnportion 20. The second column portion is generally cylindrical with acircular cross-section and having and outer diameter approximately equalto that of the first column section 10.

The outer geometry of the male end 22 is any non-circular geometrycorresponding to that of the inner cavity 34 of the inset 30. In thespecific embodiment shown, that geometry is square; however, as detailedabove, any non-circular geometry is acceptable, including, but notlimited to, square, rectangle, oval, triangle, star, trapezoid, or anypolygon. A channel 26 passes through the male end 22 and opens into theinner cavity 34 of the insert 30. Channel 26 and channel 32 arecoaxially aligned; however, unlike channel 32, the interior of channel26 is not threaded.

The male end 22 also includes a shelf 25 which, in the embodiment shown,is a circular recess in the male end 22.

Fastening rod 40 is received in channels 26 and 32. The fastening rod 40is the connector that holds the first column portion 10 and secondcolumn portion 20 together. The fastening rod is generally cylindricalwith a circular cross-section. The tip 42 of the fastening rod 40 isthreaded with the thread pattern corresponding to that of the threadedchannel 32. It will be appreciated that the inner diameter of thechannel 26 is just bigger than the outer diameter of the fastening rod40 to permit the fastening rod 40 to be easily inserted into the channel26 and, as discussed below, to spin freely within the channel 26.

The fastening rod 40 further includes a fastening ring 50 which issecured to the fastening rod 40 by engagement with a groove 52. Thefastening ring 50 increases the diameter of the fastening rod 40 andengages the shelf 25 to prevent the fastening rod 40 from disengagingthe male end 22 of the second column portion 20.

Turning to FIG. 2, the fastening rod 40 terminates at its lower end in agrasping portion 45.

In use, the first column portion 10 will always be used by a user whenthe stationary platform 300 is used. The viewing optic is secured toconnection member 17, which, in the embodiment shown, is a threadedconnector; however, in other embodiments, a viewing optic can secure tothe first column portion 10 in any manner. When a user wants to increasethe length of the center column by using a second column portion 20, thesecond column portion 20 (and more specifically, the male end 22 andthreaded end 42 of the fastening rod 40, are slid into the insert 30 andfirst column portion. The male end 22 must be oriented such that thenon-circular geometry of its outer surface aligns with the non-circulargeometry of the cavity 34. Once properly aligned, the fastening rod 40is twisted using the grasping portion 45. Being freely rotatable in thechannel 26, the rotation of the fastening rod 40 does not cause rotationof the second column portion 20. Once connected, any attempted rotationof the first column portion 10 or second column portion 20 will notdisengage the two column portions due to the non-circular geometry ofthe male portion 22 and cavity 34. That is, the two column portions 10,20 cannot rotate independently of one another because the square shapeof the male portion 22 cannot spin within the square shape of the cavity34.

To disengage the first and second column portions 10, 20, the user mustrotate the fastening rod 40 using the grasping portion 45. Once thethreaded end 42 of the fastening rod 40 is disengaged from the threadedchannel 32, the fastening rod 40 and second column portion 20 togethercan be disengaged from the insert 30 and first column portion 10.

It will be appreciated that existing stationary platforms can beretrofit with the locking assembly 100. The insert 30 can be sized tofit an existing first column portion 10 and a corresponding secondcolumn portion 20 compatible with the insert 30 provided.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a locking assembly 200 showing theconnection of a small leg section 110 which telescopes into and issecured with a large leg section 120. In the embodiment shown, the smallleg section 110 is generally cylindrical with a circular cross-sectionwhich is generally uniform along the length of the small leg section110. Similarly, the large leg section 120 is generally cylindrical witha circular cross-section which is generally uniform along the length ofthe large leg section 120. The outer diameter of the small leg section110 is less than the inner diameter of the large leg section 120 so thatthe small leg section 110 is slidable (telescoping) within the large legsection 120.

The small leg section 110 has a section stop 160 and a locking ring 170secured to its outer diameter.

The section stop 160 can be secured to the outer surface of the smallleg section 110 in any way. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the outersurface of the small leg section 110 includes a female locating portion112 which engages a male locating portion 161 on the inner surface ofthe section stop 160. Alternate and/or additional securing means may beused to secure the section stop 160 to the outer surface of the smallleg portion 110, including, but not limited to, adhesive means such asglue, epoxy, and the like, by a mechanical connection such as matingand/or interlocking structures, or combinations of these and othermeans. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the section stop 160 is a continuouscylinder around the outer diameter of the small leg section 110.However, in further embodiments, the section stop 160 may bediscontinuous around the outer surface of the small leg section 110provided there is sufficient coverage to engage the necessary portionsof the locking assembly 200 as described in further detail below.

The locking ring 170 is also shown as a continuous cylinder around theouter diameter of the small leg section 110, though can also bediscontinuous in other embodiments provided there is sufficientstructure to engage the necessary portions of the locking assembly 200as described in further detail below. The locking ring 170 as shown alsohas a generally trapezoidal cross-section, with diagonal bearingsurfaces 172, 174.

Similarly, a rotation stop 130 is secured to the outer diameter (outersurface) of the large leg section 120. Like the section stop 160, therotation stop 130 may be secured to the outer surface of the large legsection 120 using any means suitable, including, but not limited to,adhesive means such as glue, epoxy, and the like, by a mechanicalconnection such as mating and/or interlocking structures (e.g.,threads), or combinations of these and other means. Further, in theembodiment shown, the rotation stop 130 is generally cylindrical andcontinuous around the outside diameter of the large leg section 120.However, in further embodiments, the rotation stop 130 may bediscontinuous around the outer surface of the large leg section 120provided there is sufficient coverage to engage the necessary portionsof the locking assembly 200 as described in further detail below.

The first rotation stop 130 has a first (upper) portion 132 which isgenerally thicker than the rest of the first rotation stop 130. In otherwords, the outer diameter of the first portion 132 is greater than theouter diameter of the remaining portions of the first rotation stop 130.The first portion 132 transitions suddenly to a middle portion 134having an outer diameter less than that of the first portion 132.Bearing surface 139 results from the sudden transition of the firstportion 132 to the middle portion 134. Part way along the inner surfaceof the middle portion 134 is protuberance 135. Protuberance 135 has twobearing surfaces—an upper and a lower. The upper bearing surface engagesthe bottom surface of the large leg section 120 to limit how far up onthe large leg section 120 the first rotation stop 130 can be secured.The middle portion 134 again transitions suddenly to the third portion136, thereby forming bearing surface 138.

A locking nut 140 is positioned on the outer surface of the firstrotation stop 130. In the embodiment shown, portions of the outersurface of the first rotation stop 130 are threaded and correspondingportions of the inner surface of the locking nut 140 are correspondinglythreaded. Engagement of the threads secures the locking nut 140 to thefirst rotation stop 130 while permitting rotating movement of thelocking nut 140 relative to the first rotation stop 130. However, infurther embodiments, the first rotation stop 130 and locking nut 140 maybe secured to one another in any manner which permits rotationalmovement of the two components relative to one another.

As with the section stop 160 and first rotation stop 130, the lockingnut 140 is generally cylindrical and continuous around the outsidediameter of the first rotation stop 130. However, in furtherembodiments, the locking nut 140 may be discontinuous around the outersurface of the first rotation stop 130 provided there is sufficientcoverage to engage the necessary portions of the locking assembly 200 asdescribed in further detail below.

The locking nut 140 has a first portion 141 which transitions abruptlyto second portion 144. The first portion 141 has a thickness greaterthan that of second portion 144, with the inner diameter of the secondportion 144 being greater than that of the first portion 141 andresulting in bearing surface 142.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the inner surface of the firstportion 141 is in threaded engagement with the outer surface of thefirst rotation stop 130, and particularly with the first and secondportions 132, 134 of the first rotation stop 130. A second rotation stop150 is in threaded engagement with the third portion 136 of the firstrotation stop 130.

The second rotation stop 150 is generally cylindrical and continuousaround the outside diameter of the third portion 136 of the firstrotation stop 130. However, in further embodiments, the second rotationstop 150 may be discontinuous provided there is sufficient coverage toengage the necessary portions of the locking assembly 200 as describedin further detail below.

As shown in FIG. 7, the second rotation stop 150 is positioned betweenthe second portion 144 of the locking nut 140 and the third portion 136of the first rotation stop 130. The second rotation stop 150 thereforehas a generally consistent outer diameter with an inner diameter greaterat its first portion 157 than at its second portion 159. The transitionbetween the first and second portions 157, 159 is abrupt, resulting inbearing surface 154 which engages bearing surface 138 to limit how faralong the first rotation stop 130 the second rotation stop 150 can go.Upper surface 152 of the second rotation stop 150 is shown asneighboring, though not quite touching, bearing surface 142 of thelocking nut 140.

Once the small leg section 110 is properly assembled with section stop160 and locking ring 170, and the large leg section 120 is properlyassembled with first rotation stop 130, locking nut 140, and secondrotation stop 150, the small leg section assembly (110, 160, 170) isslid into the large leg section 120 until the bearing surface 174 of thelocking ring 170 engages the protuberance 135 at its lower bearingsurface. When in position, the section stop 160 is adjacent and slidableagainst the inner surface of the large leg section 120, and the innersurface of the third portion 136 of the first rotation stop 130 isadjacent and slidable against the outer surface of the locking ring 170.

To prevent the small leg section assembly (110, 160, 170) fromdisengaging the large leg section assembly (120, 130, 140, 150), alocking wedge 180 is threaded into the inner diameter of the locking nut140 at its second portion 144. As shown in FIG. 6, the locking wedge 180has a bearing surface 182 which abuts the bearing surface 172 of thelocking ring 170 and a bearing surface 187 which abuts the bottomsurface 147 of the locking nut 140.

Grip 190 is secured over the entire locking assembly 200 to protect theassembly 200 as well as to permit a user to manipulate the assembly asdescribed more fully below. As shown in FIG. 4, the grip 190 isgenerally cylindrical with an outer surface and an inner surfacegeometry designed to conform to the portions of the locking assembly 200to which it secures. Specifically, the grip 190 has an upper portion 192specifically designed to engage the contours of the upper section 148 ofthe locking nut 140. The smooth inner surface 194 of the grip 190contacts the outer surface of the locking nut 140. The bottom portion196 of the grip 190 contacts the underside of the locking wedge 180. Theupper and bottom portions 192, 196 of the grip project inward toward thelarge leg section 120 and small leg section 110, respectively, tocompletely enclose the locking assembly 200.

The grip 190 may be permanently or removably secured to the outersurface of the locking nut 140 using any means suitable, including, butnot limited to, adhesive means such as glue, epoxy, and the like, by amechanical connection such as mating and/or interlocking structures(e.g., threads), or combinations of these and other means. Further, inthe embodiment shown, the grip 190 is generally cylindrical andcontinuous around the outside diameter of the locking assembly 200.However, in further embodiments, the grip 190 may be discontinuousaround the outside of the locking assembly 200 provided there issufficient coverage to engage the necessary portions of the lockingassembly 200 as described in further detail below.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the large leg section 120 is the legsection which is fixed to the top of a stationary platform, such as atripod. The small leg section 110 extends outward from the inside of thelarge leg section 120 to increase the overall length of the leg (e.g.,increase tripod height). The small leg section 110 and section stop 160are fixedly secured to one another, meaning that, during operation ofthe locking assembly 200, the small leg section 110 and section stop 160are not designed to move relative to one another, but rather movetogether as an assembly. Similarly, the large leg section 120, firstrotation stop 130 and second rotation stop 150 are fixedly secured toone another so that the two components do not move relative to oneanother, but rather as an assembly. The grip 190, locking nut 140 andlocking wedge 180 are also fixedly secured to one another, with thethree parts moving together as an assembly. In one embodiment, thelocking ring 170 is secured or held in place by other components of theassembly. In one embodiment, the locking ring 170 is encapsulated by theother components of the assembly. In one embodiment, the locking ring170 is not permanently attached to any piece or component of theassembly.

The locking wedge 180 is slidable against the locking ring 170. Thelocking nut 140 is in threaded (movable) connection with the firstrotation stop 130, meaning rotation of the grip 190/locking nut140/locking wedge 180 assembly causes movement of the grip 190/lockingnut 140/locking wedge 180 assembly up and down relative to firstrotation stop 130. Because the second rotation stop 150 is fixedlysecured to the first rotation stop 130, the locking nut 140 is slidableagainst the second rotation stop 150.

When securing or locking the small leg section 110 and large leg section120 together (i.e., when the small leg section 110 is in the desiredposition relative to the large leg section 120), a user turns or rotatesthe grip 190 in the locking direction. In the embodiment shown, thatdirection is counterclockwise. Rotation of the grip 190 (e.g., in thecounterclockwise direction in the embodiments shown) causes movement ofthe grip 190/locking nut 140/locking wedge 180 assembly upwards. Thisupward movement is caused by the engagement of the threads on thelocking nut 140 with the threads of the first rotation stop 130. As thegrip 190/locking nut 140/locking wedge 180 assembly moves upward, thebearing surface 182 of the locking wedge 180 pushes upward against thebearing surface 172 of the locking ring 170. This movement in essencecompresses the locking ring 170 between the locking wedge 180 and firstrotation stop 130. The angle of the bearing surfaces 172, 182 andbearing surface 174 and the lower bearing surface of protuberance 134cause the locking ring 170 to push inward against the small leg section110, as shown in further detail in FIG. 6. Upward movement of thelocking nut 140 is prevented by contact between bearing surface 140 ofthe locking nut 140 and bearing surface 139 of the first rotation stop130, as shown in FIG. 8.

Rotation of the grip 190 in the opposite direction (e.g., in theclockwise direction in the embodiments shown) loosens the lockingassembly 200. Clockwise rotation of the grip 190 causes downwardmovement of the grip 190/locking nut 140/locking wedge 180 assembly byway of the threaded engagement of the locking nut 140 with the firstrotation stop 130. Downward movement of the locking nut 140 is limitedby contact between bearing surface 142 of the locking nut 140 andbearing surface 152 of the second rotation stop 150, as shown in FIG. 7.As the grip 190/locking nut 140/locking wedge 180 assembly movesdownward, the locking wedge 180 ceases pushing on the locking ring 170,and the locking ring 170 therefore releases the small leg section 110(i.e., the locking ring 170, and particularly bearing surfaces 172, 174,disengages bearing surface 182 and the lower bearing surface ofprotuberance 134, respectively). The small leg section 110 becomes againslidable within the lock assembly 200.

In the embodiment shown, the lock assembly 200 is specifically designedfor the grip 190 to be rotated a total of ½ turn about the assembly 200.In particular, as shown in FIG. 7, the distance 202 between bearingsurface 142 and bearing surface 152 has a maximum of 0.5 mm. This 0.5 mmgap is paired with a 1 mm thread pitch on the locking nut 140 and firstrotation stop 130. With the 0.5 mm gap, a user can rotate the grip 190 ahalf turn which will cause the grip 190/locking nut 140/locking wedge180 assembly to travel 0.5 mm downward and the bearing surfaces 142, 152to meet. One of skill in the art can appreciate that the maximumdistance 202 and the thread pitch on the locking nut 140 and firstrotation stop 130 can be adjusted to achieve a desired amount of twist.That is, if a user desires a full turn to lock/unlock the small legsection 110, a maximum space height of 1.5 mm is desired if the threadpitch is kept at 1 mm.

The space 204 shown in FIG. 8 between bearing surface 130 and bearingsurface 149 has a maximum height of greater than that distance 202.Providing a space with a height greater than distance 202 allows a userto tighten the lock assembly 200 beyond the ½ turn to unlock the lockassembly 200. It is sometimes desirable to tighten the lock assembly 200to different degrees depending, for example, on the weight of theviewing optic mounted to the stationary platform. The heavier theviewing optic, the tighter the lock assembly 200 must be tightened.

The disclosure is now further described by the following paragraphs:

1. A locking assembly comprising:

a first column portion;

an insert having a first end contained within the first column portion,a threaded channel passing through at least a portion of the first end,an inner cavity, and a second end that opens to the inner cavity;

a second column portion having a main body and a first end, the firstend having a shape corresponding to that of the inner cavity of theinsert, wherein the first end is slidingly but not rotatably engagedwith the inner cavity of the insert, the second column portion furtherhaving a channel through the first end, the channel being coaxial withthe threaded channel of the insert; and

a fastening rod having a threaded end, wherein the fastening rod passesthrough the channel of the second column portion and engages thethreaded channel of the insert.

2. The locking assembly of paragraph 1, wherein the first column portionhas a hollow interior.

3. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thefirst column portion has a generally circular cross-section along alength of the first column portion.

4. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein theinsert is secured within an end portion of the first column portion.

5. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein theinsert has a first end that is solid contained within the first columnportion

6. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thefastening rod further includes a fastening ring adjacent the threadedend, wherein the fastening ring has external dimensions greater thanthose of the channel of the second column portion.

7. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein theinner cavity of the insert has a non-circular cross-section.

8. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein theshape of the inner cavity of the insert is selected from square,rectangular, triangular, and polygonal.

9. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thefirst end of the second column has a non-circular cross-section.

10. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein theshape of the first end of the second column is selected from square,rectangular, triangular, and polygonal.

11. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thenon-circular cross-section of the inner cavity of the insert is square.

12. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thenon-circular cross-section of the first end of the second column portionis square.

13. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thefirst column portion has an outer diameter which is the same as an outerdiameter of the main body of the second column portion.

14. A stationary platform comprising a central column, the centralcolumn comprising the locking assembly of any of the precedingparagraphs.

15. The stationary platform of claim 8, wherein the stationary platformis a tripod.

16. A locking assembly comprising:

a locking ring secured to a first cylindrical section, the firstcylindrical section insertable into a second cylindrical section andhaving a bearing surface at a second edge;

a first rotation stop secured to the second cylindrical section at afirst end and slidable against the locking ring at a second end; and

a locking nut having a first end in threaded engagement with the firstend of the rotation stop and having a second end secured to a lockingwedge having a bearing surface,

wherein rotational movement of the locking nut in a first directioncauses the bearing surface of the locking wedge to engage the bearingsurface of the locking ring and rotational movement of the locking nutin a second direction causes the bearing surface of the locking wedge todisengage the bearing surface of the locking ring.

17. The locking assembly of paragraph 16, wherein the locking ring has afirst edge containing a second bearing surface and the first rotationstop has a bearing surface corresponding to the second bearing surfaceof the locking ring.

18. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, whereinrotational movement of the locking nut in the first direction causes thesecond bearing surface of the locking ring to engage the bearing surfaceof the first rotation stop and rotational movement of the locking nut inthe second direction causes the second bearing surface of the lockingring to disengage the bearing surface of the first rotation stop.

19. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thelocking ring, first rotation stop, locking nut and locking wedge aregenerally cylindrical and coaxial with each other and the first andsecond cylindrical sections.

20. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thefirst rotation stop has a second bearing surface and the locking nut hasa first bearing surface, the second bearing surface of the firstrotation stop and the first bearing surfaces of the locking nut beingopposed to one another, and wherein rotational movement of the lockingnut in the first direction is limited by engagement of the secondbearing surface of the first rotation stop and the first bearing surfaceof the locking nut.

21. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, furtherincluding a second rotation stop secured to the first rotation stop,wherein the locking nut is slidable against the second rotation stop.

22. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thesecond rotation stop has a first bearing surface and the locking nut hasa second bearing surface, the first bearing surface of the secondrotation stop and the second bearing surface of the locking nut beingopposed to one another, and wherein rotational movement of the lockingnut in the second direction is limited by engagement of the firstbearing surface of the second rotation stop and the second bearingsurface of the locking nut.

23. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thefirst end of the first rotation stop and the first end of the lockingnut are correspondingly threaded, and wherein the thread pitch is from0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.

24. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thefirst end of the first rotation stop and the first end of the lockingnut are correspondingly threaded, and wherein the thread pitch is atleast 0.5 mm.

25. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thefirst end of the first rotation stop and the first end of the lockingnut are correspondingly threaded, and wherein the thread pitch is nogreater than 1.5 mm.

26. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thefirst end of the first rotation stop and the first end of the lockingnut are correspondingly threaded, and wherein the thread pitch is from0.5 mm to 0.75 mm.

27. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thefirst end of the first rotation stop and the first end of the lockingnut are correspondingly threaded, and wherein the thread pitch is from0.5 mm to 1.0 mm.

28. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thefirst end of the first rotation stop and the first end of the lockingnut are correspondingly threaded, and wherein the thread pitch is from0.5 mm to 1.25 mm.

29. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thefirst end of the first rotation stop and the first end of the lockingnut are correspondingly threaded, and wherein the thread pitch is from0.75 mm to 1.25 mm.

30. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thefirst end of the first rotation stop and the first end of the lockingnut are correspondingly threaded, and wherein the thread pitch is from1.0 mm to 1.25 mm.

31. The locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs, furtherincluding a grip secured to the locking nut and locking wedge.

32. A stationary platform comprising at least one telescoping legcomprising the locking assembly of any of the preceding paragraphs.

33. The stationary platform of paragraph 32, further comprising a secondlocking assembly, the second locking assembly comprising:

a first column portion having a hollow interior with a generallycircular cross-section along a length of the first column portion;

an insert secured within an end portion of the first column portion, theinsert having a first end which is solid contained within the firstcolumn portion, a threaded channel passing through the solid end, aninner cavity, and a second end which opens to the inner cavity;

wherein the inner cavity has a non-circular cross-section;

a second column portion having a main body and a first end, the firstend having a non-circular cross-section corresponding to that of theinner cavity of the insert, wherein the first end is slidingly but notrotatably engaged with the inner cavity of the insert, the second columnportion further having a channel through the first end, the channelbeing coaxial with the threaded channel of the insert; and

a fastening rod having a threaded end, wherein the fastening rod passesthrough the channel of the second column portion and engages thethreaded channel of the insert.

Various modifications and variations of the described structures,assemblies, apparatuses and methods of the invention will be apparent tothose skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit ofthe invention. One skilled in the art will recognize at once that itwould be possible to construct the present invention from a variety ofmaterials and in a variety of different ways. Although the invention hasbeen described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, itshould be understood that the invention should not be unduly limited tosuch specific embodiments. While the preferred embodiments have beendescribed in detail, and shown in the accompanying drawings, it will beevident that various further modifications are possible withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes forcarrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled inmarksmanship or related fields are intended to be within the scope ofthe following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A locking assembly comprising: a first columnportion having a hollow interior with a generally circular cross-sectionalong a length of the first column portion; an insert secured within anend portion of the first column portion, the insert having a first endwhich is solid contained within the first column portion, a threadedchannel passing through the solid end, an inner cavity, and a second endwhich opens to the inner cavity; wherein the inner cavity has anon-circular cross-section; a second column portion having a main bodyand a first end, the first end having a non-circular cross-sectioncorresponding to that of the inner cavity of the insert, wherein thefirst end is slidingly but not rotatably engaged with the inner cavityof the insert, the second column portion further having a channelthrough the first end, the channel being coaxial with the threadedchannel of the insert; and a fastening rod having a threaded end,wherein the fastening rod passes through the channel of the secondcolumn portion and engages the threaded channel of the insert.
 2. Thelocking assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastening rod further includesa fastening ring adjacent the threaded end, wherein the fastening ringhas external dimensions greater than those of the channel of the secondcolumn portion.
 3. The locking assembly of claim 1, wherein thenon-circular cross-section of the inner cavity of the insert is selectedfrom square, rectangular, triangular, and polygonal.
 4. The lockingassembly of claim 3, wherein the non-circular cross-section of the firstend of the second column is selected from square, rectangular,triangular, and polygonal.
 5. The locking assembly of claim 4, whereinthe non-circular cross-section of the inner cavity of the insert issquare.
 6. The locking assembly of claim 5, wherein the non-circularcross-section of the first end of the second column portion is square.7. The locking assembly of claim 1, wherein the first column portion hasan outer diameter which is the same as an outer diameter of the mainbody of the second column portion.
 8. A stationary platform comprising acentral column, the central column comprising the locking assembly ofclaim
 1. 9. The stationary platform of claim 8, wherein the stationaryplatform is a tripod.
 10. A locking assembly comprising: a locking ringsecured to a first cylindrical section, the first cylindrical sectioninsertable into a second cylindrical section and having a bearingsurface at a second edge; a first rotation stop secured to the secondcylindrical section at a first end and slidable against the locking ringat a second end; and a locking nut having a first end in threadedengagement with the first end of the rotation stop and having a secondend secured to a locking wedge having a bearing surface, whereinrotational movement of the locking nut in a first direction causes thebearing surface of the locking wedge to engage the bearing surface ofthe locking ring and rotational movement of the locking nut in a seconddirection causes the bearing surface of the locking wedge to disengagethe bearing surface of the locking ring.
 11. The locking assembly ofclaim 10, wherein the locking ring has a first edge containing a secondbearing surface and the first rotation stop has a bearing surfacecorresponding to the second bearing surface of the locking ring.
 12. Thelocking assembly of claim 11, wherein rotational movement of the lockingnut in the first direction causes the second bearing surface of thelocking ring to engage the bearing surface of the first rotation stopand rotational movement of the locking nut in the second directioncauses the second bearing surface of the locking ring to disengage thebearing surface of the first rotation stop.
 13. The locking assembly ofclaim 10, wherein the locking ring, first rotation stop, locking nut andlocking wedge are generally cylindrical and coaxial with each other andthe first and second cylindrical sections.
 14. The locking assembly ofclaim 10, wherein the first rotation stop has a second bearing surfaceand the locking nut has a first bearing surface, the second bearingsurface of the first rotation stop and the first bearing surfaces of thelocking nut being opposed to one another, and wherein rotationalmovement of the locking nut in the first direction is limited byengagement of the second bearing surface of the first rotation stop andthe first bearing surface of the locking nut.
 15. The locking assemblyof claim 10, further including a second rotation stop secured to thefirst rotation stop, wherein the locking nut is slidable against thesecond rotation stop.
 16. The locking assembly of claim 15, wherein thesecond rotation stop has a first bearing surface and the locking nut hasa second bearing surface, the first bearing surface of the secondrotation stop and the second bearing surface of the locking nut beingopposed to one another, and wherein rotational movement of the lockingnut in the second direction is limited by engagement of the firstbearing surface of the second rotation stop and the second bearingsurface of the locking nut.
 17. The locking assembly of claim 10,wherein the first end of the first rotation stop and the first end ofthe locking nut are correspondingly threaded, and wherein the threadpitch is from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.
 18. The locking assembly of claim 10,further including a grip secured to the locking nut and locking wedge.19. A stationary platform comprising at least one telescoping legcomprising the locking assembly of claim
 10. 20. The stationary platformof claim 19, further comprising a second locking assembly, the secondlocking assembly comprising: a first column portion having a hollowinterior with a generally circular cross-section along a length of thefirst column portion; an insert secured within an end portion of thefirst column portion, the insert having a first end which is solidcontained within the first column portion, a threaded channel passingthrough the solid end, an inner cavity, and a second end which opens tothe inner cavity; wherein the inner cavity has a non-circularcross-section; a second column portion having a main body and a firstend, the first end having a non-circular cross-section corresponding tothat of the inner cavity of the insert, wherein the first end isslidingly but not rotatably engaged with the inner cavity of the insert,the second column portion further having a channel through the firstend, the channel being coaxial with the threaded channel of the insert;and a fastening rod having a threaded end, wherein the fastening rodpasses through the channel of the second column portion and engages thethreaded channel of the insert.